Small Brands versus Top 4

Mention the word, Cognac, and it’s usually the big brands that spring to mind. Of course, the large Cognac houses are experts at their trade. But as with any industry, the bigger you get the harder it becomes to retain your identity. Check out our blog article that compares and contrasts the ‘Big 4’ – Hennessy, Martell, Courvoisier, Remy Martin:...

Mention the word, Cognac, and it’s usually the big brands that spring to mind. Of course, the large Cognac houses are experts at their trade. But as with any industry, the bigger you get the harder it becomes to retain your identity. Check out our blog article that compares and contrasts the ‘Big 4’ – Hennessy, Martell, Courvoisier, Remy Martin: What’s the difference.

But let’s not forget the grass roots of Cognac. The whole industry began with the little guy, tending his vines and creating outstanding eau-de-vie. Today these family run houses struggle to remain in business, such is the competition they face. Cognac Expert has always championed these small houses. We know the day-to-day challenges they face, and find it heart breaking that many of them are struggling—or failing—to survive. It’s vital that these smaller brands receive your support to remain in business.

That’s why we’re delighted to bring you some amazing Cognacs from the expertise of these small, family run concerns.

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Tasting notes: a v ery appetizing cognac, powerful but elegant, very full. Vanilla aroma explodes on the nose and on the palate. Noble cognac with some notes of candied fruit, orange marmalade, quince, pear. Surprising very long finish with spicy notes coming through.,

Eye: Amber glow.
Nose: A generous nose of candied fruits, oak, fruit, and orange peel. Aromas of autumn come to the fore; with vanilla and coffee notes.
Palate: The mouth is deep and voluptuous; almost fleshy. The finish is long and extended with a wonderful fullness. It is intense...

Eye: Ocher.
Nose: A powerful and woody blend, with spicy aromas which are complex, but remain rounded. Figs and plums come to mind.
Palate: This rich Cognac brings together oak and leather, with slightly sweet notes of flower and fruit. A well balanced work, with a good sense of...

Fine, elegant, complex, rich, this wonderful cognac is quite lively in spite of its very old ageing, creamy and appetizing, offering some notes of dried and jammy fruit, with the finest rancio aromas, leather, cigar box fragrances, toasted chocolate, liquorice and toffee. Very long finish with...

Martell Cohibas nose is rather soft, mellow but complex. Some sweet notes, like vanilla, hazlenut and slight honey. In the mouth: Quite down the line, a good strength, but round and fresh - some wood aromas. The finish is well balanced.

Eye: A deep, reddish orange.
Nose: Some spicy hints with the harmony of vanilla; characteristic for its growth area origin.
Palate: A smooth VSOP which unfolds as something quite floral and fruity in the mouth. It is long and mellow.

Nose: Fragrances of lemon and citrus.
Palate: The dominance of the Fins Bois cru is definitely part of the tasting experience. Enjoy notes dry almond, hints of spices, and honey tones.
Eye: A golden, honey-ish hue.

Tasting review:
Notes of dried fruit and almonds on the nose. On the palate there is a good balance between the cognac and the wood tannins from its years in oak casks. Smooth and round, it just melts in the mouth.

Eye: Dark amber.
Nose: A rather smooth XO, some rich aromas of jasmine, a velvet structure, fruity candy notes.
Palate: The heart is dominated by fig, and full prune, on the palate cinnamon and brioche. The finish lasts for about 10 to 15 minutes.

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Awarded “International Cognac writer of the Year” in 2013, Cognac Expert is an independent, family-run website based in France, reporting on all things Cognac and shipping exclusively from the Cognac region.

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